A STEM Challenge that invites students to join the effort to tackle nitrogen pollution.
About the Challenge
As part of the Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan (LINAP), the Long Island Water Quality Challenge promotes project-based learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in Long Island schools, encouraging enthusiasm for STEM learning and an interest in STEM-related careers.
The Long Island Water Quality Challenge is an opportunity for students in grades 6-12 to play an important role in improving water quality on Long Island and reducing nitrogen pollution on school grounds. Stormwater runoff on school property can transport nitrogen pollution and other contaminants through the watershed and into our coastal waterways. Excess nitrogen in surface waters can cause eutrophication (excess algae growth or “bloom”). Toxic algal blooms lead to low oxygen conditions, fish kills, and degraded wetlands and marine habitats. Nitrogen also contaminates the groundwater which is the sole source of Long Island’s drinking water.
To participate in this challenge, student teams will create a green infrastructure project to reduce nitrogen pollution on school grounds. Green Infrastructure project examples include rain gardens and planter boxes, green roofs, permeable pavement, rainwater harvesting, and bioswales – student teams can build off an existing idea or create a completely new concept. Student teams will compete with the possibility of being awarded a $2,500 grant to be used for implementation or partial implementation of the winning project design. Accepting the grant in order to implement the project is optional and at the discretion of the student team and school.
Important Dates
November 13, 2023: Letters of Interest due
February 2, 2024: Final project proposals submitted
March 2024: Awardees announced
May/June 2024: Awards presented
For details about submission requirements and how to submit a Letter of Interest see:
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
To view frequently asked questions see:
For project proposal details see:
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE ON SCHOOL GROUNDS PROJECT DETAILS
Teams may use this recommended format for their STEM Challenge project proposals:
To view a copy of the rubric that will be used to score all submitted proposals see:
PROJECT PROPOSAL EVALUATION RUBRIC
Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan Informational Video:
To view the Long Island Water Quality Challenge flyer see:
Teams are encouraged to utilize the Resource Library in developing their proposal:
